AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - "The important thing is to be close to the poor," says the Bishop of the devastated Diocese of Bangassou

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Bangui - "I am walking as usual. We have no other means because all the vehicles available to the diocese and the missionaries were stolen," says to Fides Agency His Exc. Mgr. Juan José Aguirre Munos, Bishop of Bangassou, Central African Republic."They stole everything: 28 cars, 3 motorcycles, all medicines in the pharmacy, the home of the Franciscan Sisters, that of the Holy Ghost Fathers were looted .... the list is long," said Mgr. Aguirre Munos. "We are not making a fuss because it is not the first time that such things happen to us. The important thing is to stay here and be close to the poor to evangelize. We were not the first to experience moments of such violence and pain, nor will we be the last. We remain just like the Apostles who said it is an honor to be beaten for the Lord. "The Central African Republic is still in chaos. An episode seemingly "minor" explains how volatile the situation in Central Africa is. A group of about forty young men were recruited in Tombura, South Sudan, by an officer of the old Central African army to go and fight against the men of Seleka. "These young people were promised $ 150 to go and fight in Central Africa. But they were quickly intercepted as they were crossing the border, perhaps by Ugandan troops hunting the LRA. Nine children were killed and others captured. The Red Cross brought back to Tambura the 33 boys still alive and the bodies of 9" says the Bishop."We hope that the arrival of the soldiers of FOMAC help us bring a bit of order in the Country," concluded Mgr. Aguirre Munos.